The Berkshire Theatre Group

Jan 14, 2023

Our first time in the Berkshires was a hit! Visiting cherished family, monumental theatres, and a new landscape to explore.

I am completely inspired.

My nephew, AJ Gardner, is a Production Manager with The Berkshire Theatre Group. He gave us a tour of all three of the theatres in the group. They are magnificent.

The Unicorn Theatre in Stockbridge, Mass – Click Image to Enlarge

Besides a beautiful stage, There is a wonderful creative space here – the prop shop. Large area for painting, carpentry, and all manner of prop making. I loved the energy there and all the evidence of props from performances gone by.

Berkshire Playhouse – Fitzpatrick Mainstage
Berkshire theatre festival est. 1928, Stockbridge Mass

I was so happy to see this beauty in a blanket of snow! It has a great history – bought for $1 and moved to this location in 1928.

The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield Mass photo credit — their website — https://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org

The Colonial Theatre is one of America’s finest turn-of-the-century theatres.

The interior of the beautiful Colonial Theatre – and my view at lunch!

We had an especially good time here. We ate our lunch center stage as a family and explored this grand theatre! It has quite a history. Learn more here.

Inspired and Happy at Center Stage!
Robert also inspired and happy..

Even though it was a busy day, I was able to make time for a few sketches on site at each theatre.

Prop Shop – Unicorn Theatre – had to draw fast! Cold in there!
The cupola on the top of the Berkshire Playhouse

Box Seat at the Colonial Theatre
The Proscenium at The Colonial Theatre – my view at lunch!
We headed home just in time. Here comes the SNOW!

More paintings from this trip next week. Thank you for following along with my painting practice. I appreciate it so much!

Michel

“The Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting…” James Taylor

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20 Comments

  1. Amy C on January 15, 2023 at 8:35 am

    So glad you had a wonderful visit with AJ! Looks like a great trip and I’m glad you got to experience snow!!



  2. Robert McNinch on January 15, 2023 at 9:18 am

    We had the best time with family and the whole experience . Wonderful !



    • Fosberry on January 15, 2023 at 11:43 am

      Love y’all’s adventures!!



      • Michel McNinch on January 15, 2023 at 12:11 pm

        Thank you.



  3. Sally Harm on January 15, 2023 at 9:43 am

    What a beautiful place to get inspired! Glad you made the trip. Can’t wait to see the paintings!



    • Michel McNinch on January 15, 2023 at 12:11 pm

      Thanks, Sally – it was a winter wonderland for sure. Never have I ever! : )



  4. Dawn on January 15, 2023 at 10:44 am

    It all looks so magical! Looking forward to seeing and hearing more.



    • Michel McNinch on January 15, 2023 at 12:12 pm

      Won’t be long now; see you on Tuesday.



  5. Roxanne on January 15, 2023 at 12:34 pm

    Beautiful sketches of great theaters! You take a taste of it with you.



    • Michel McNinch on January 15, 2023 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you for that kind comment. Yes, we made memories for a lifetime. It was wonderful.



  6. Patrick on January 15, 2023 at 5:03 pm

    love seeing this bit in our home town of old. snow is intoxicating in the berkshires



    • Tina on January 15, 2023 at 5:53 pm

      Patrick we need to all meet up and visit AJ and tell them and the kids the stories of old hanging out at the McManor house on Sullivan’s Island!! Great memories being made here at AJ and Saoirse’s home 💜



    • Michel McNinch on January 16, 2023 at 5:50 pm

      Hey Patrick! Yes, I thought off y’all when I was preparing for the visit. I remember trying to talk like y’all when you came down. : ) After y’all were gone, Daddy would. say, “alright, that’s enough of that!” hahahah



  7. Tina on January 15, 2023 at 5:55 pm

    I am so happy that you took such fabulous pictures, and made such fantastic notes on a Christmas year that I could not attend! Thank you for helping me live my oldest and middle child, and my youngest child’s Christmas through your eyes! 💜💜💜💜💜💜



  8. Ingrid on January 16, 2023 at 7:18 am

    Hope you had time to visit the Norman Rockwell estate.



    • Michel McNinch on January 16, 2023 at 5:02 pm

      I have been to his studio, but many years ago. It is on the list to go again.



  9. Dot ryall on January 16, 2023 at 10:42 am

    You two look so happy!! Love your pictures and your sketches!! You make ME happy!! Safe travels, stay warm and have a great adventure!❤️



    • Michel McNinch on January 16, 2023 at 5:03 pm

      Thank you so much, Dot! Love to paint and travel. : )



  10. Jeannie Irvin on January 16, 2023 at 3:46 pm

    BEAUTIFUL 🖼🎄



    • Michel McNinch on January 16, 2023 at 5:03 pm

      Thank you, friend.



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